Engadine ends long losing streak
By Dan Hardenbrook
The long wait for a win is finally over in Engadine. For the first time since October 24, 2019, The Eagles won a varsity football contest when they beat Burr Oak 17-6 at home Saturday afternoon. The victory ended an 18-game losing streak that stretched the span of three head coaches and nearly an entire class of high school players. The win was also the first for Engadine alum Charlie Fosdick, the new Eagles head coach.
“It was a great feeling to finally get a win. For many of the players, it was their first win since junior high. We are all very excited about that,” said Fosdick following the win.
The victory puts Engadine at 1-2 on the season.
In a rare low scoring 8 Man Football contest, it was the Eagles’ defense that earned high praise from the head coach.
\“Our defense came out very aggressive and we were making some good plays,” Fosdick said. “I think that was a key part of the victory.”
Engadine got touchdowns on a 40-yard run by Hayden O’Neil and a 12-yard pass from Perrson McKeage to Connor Hall. Hunter Cameron also added a field goal in the win for Engadine. After a long trip from the Indians border to Engadine, Burr Oak couldn’t find their legs and struggled to match the energy and effort of the Eagles, who were more than ready to earn an elusive win and the respect that comes with it.
The Eagles have shown steady improvement early this season, being competitive for long stretches in several games this season but ultimately coming up short. The script finally flipped on Saturday as the Eagles completed four quarters of consistent football for their first win in nearly three years.
For Fosdick, one of the youngest coaches in the Upper Peninsula, the win may be the first step in what’s to come for his program. “I think this is definitely something we can build off of.” Engadine will now look to do what once seemed unthinkable: Get on a winning streak. The Eagles will have a tough test as the Rudyard Bulldogs come to town Friday night, fresh off of an upset win over powerhouse Pickford. But for the first time in a long time, they head into the week with momentum as winners in their previous game.
